Revisiting Sydney with family memories and a love for heritage-building

Have you ever felt the magic of reconnecting with an old flame? It’s that familiar bond you’ve known for life—comforting, even a bit predictable. But then, when you meet again, you notice they’ve transformed in such beautiful, graceful ways that your connection feels renewed, deeper, and more meaningful than ever.

That is exactly how I felt returning to Sydney.

Once residents of this vibrant land, we have always held a special place in our hearts for Australia. My beloved late parents Ting and Mila Dayrit, in their desire to find an alternative abode in the early ’80s, chose Australia for its warmth, openness, and less stringent immigration rules. We used to return every three years to have our passports stamped and revisit the country that had, in many ways, shaped our family’s path.

Sydney was always special, but over the years, it has grown into one of the most beautiful, cosmopolitan and progressive cities I know. Sydney possesses an extraordinary love for heritage-building: instead of tearing down old structures, the love of renewal or restoration is applied so that the building gets a fresh lease on life with a newer designation, yet somehow still honoring its erstwhile purpose.

I spent some time during my youth in Australia. My first encounter with snow was in Canberra, the capital, where rows of provincial and city government offices lined the streets, housed in beautiful buildings. My only brother Mark studied at Brisbane Grammar School while my sister Michelle D. Soliven spent a summer in Queensland.

Sydney truly was always our favorite city. The architecture of the Sydney Opera House was so dramatic it glimmered like fireworks at night in celebration, just like New Year’s celebrations. Equally, among the most special treats for my family and I would be taking a cruise around Sydney Harbour.

We also made a trip to Melbourne, where we were in awe of Captain Cook’s Cottage—a lovely piece of Australia’s history that impressed our group.

Perth, on the other hand, is one city famous for its vibrant and lush gardens, picturesque islands and beaches to unforgettable culture, culinary feast, and adventures.

In Sydney, Thursday nights were spent late-night shopping, as we would head to Coles and Woolworths, stocking up on caramel apples and their famously delicious rotisserie chicken. We visited the Taronga Zoo, played with wombats, marveled at kangaroos with their joeys, and fell in love with the platypus—my favorite animal of all time, so uniquely endearing with its squirrel-like appearance and webbed feet.

This year we have discovered a new home away from home: a place where love and kindness flows. We found the Shangri-La in Sydney. It was like embracing your true love come back into your life, here to experience.

Shangri-La Sydney charged much of that warmth and hospitality to our traveling group, thanks to the dynamism and charm of Deane Brosnan, director of Marketing and Communications.

The Shangri-La Sydney is an indulgent affair. This name has always implied perfect comfort and luxury, and it is no exception. We had dinner at the Horizon Club Lounge, watching ships glide by above the floor, just as in our lives, from the innocence of youth to the sweetness of maturity.